Abstract
THE quantity of radium found in granites and kindred rocks (Proc. Roy. Soc., A, vol. lxxvii., p. 472), about 1011 grams per c.c., suggested that the associated helium might be present in sufficient quantity for spectroscopic detection. This has proved to be the case. Thus 250 grams of Matopo granite yielded 3 c.c. of nitrogen on heating. This nitrogen, on sparking down, gave a residue of about 1/100th part of its own volume. The residue was introduced into a vacuum tube, and showed the spectra of argon and helium quite brilliantly, and in about equal intensity. Similar results were obtained with syenite rocks from Mt. Sorrel in Leicestershire, and from Norway.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
STRUTT, R. Helium and Argon in Common Rocks. Nature 75, 271 (1907). https://doi.org/10.1038/075271a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/075271a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.